Caring for creation together

Major Heather Poxon (THQ) talks to Captain Jo Moir about making Together 2023 as eco-friendly as possible

As part of our territorial mission priority of caring for creation, what can people expect to see at Together 2023 that will make it a sustainable event?

As territorial environmental officer, my strapline for everything the Army does in this territory is ‘tread softly’ – in all we do, let’s think about this world and how we can ensure we are tenderly protecting this beautiful planet God has gifted to us.

Everything we’ve been planning for Together 2023 has been through the lens of caring for creation. We’ve been thinking about waste, how people will get to Fairfield Halls in Croydon and the resources we will use over the weekend. We are being as waste-free and carbon-light as possible.

What other environmental initiatives or activities will there be?

There will be a care for creation walk in the nearby Queen’s Gardens, and resources aimed at helping people understand the spiritual motivation behind this missional agenda. The brilliant team at SP&S are also thinking about the environment and will be providing a drop-off space for those attending the event to donate pre-loved formal uniform items for re-use and recycling as part of their Uniform Take Back Scheme. You can also arrange a donation online – for more information, visit salvationist.org.uk/uniformtakeback

What can people travelling to Together 2023 do to offset their carbon emissions?

Two things. First, consider how you get there. If you’re close enough and you can walk or cycle, that would be amazing. That would be, by far, the best option. If you can travel by public transport, that would be fantastic. If you can’t do that and have to use a car, then try to find out if there are others with whom you can car-share.

Second, think about how you can offset the fossil fuels you have used to get there. Why not donate to the Woodland Trust to help plant a tree, for example? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone travelling to Croydon planted at least one tree? That would make a Together 2023 forest!

Save The Date

WHAT: Together 2023

WHERE: Fairfield Halls, Croydon

WHEN: 14–16 July

BOOK YOUR TICKET: salvationist.org.uk/together

What’s the theological rationale behind caring for creation?

God loved the world, so should we. It’s that simple. When we think about John 3:16 – ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’ (Good News Bible) – the word ‘world’ is translated from kosmos. We often think of that verse as meaning just people, but God loved the created order so much that he gave his Son. And we know that creation is groaning and waiting for its redemption (see Romans 8:22), just as we are. We have a responsibility and a mandate to work together with God to bring about that freedom, that redemption.

How can people from around the territory get involved in the care for creation conversation where they are that weekend?

There are four C’s that help me remember what we can do, wherever we are.

First, church: sign up to an eco church scheme and find ways to tread carefully. See ecochurch.arocha.org.uk or ecocongregation.org

Second, community: find out about what’s happening in your area already, from vegetable gardens to repair workshops, and get involved.

Third, conduct: think about cutting down your impact on the environment in terms of travel, energy usage – domestic and commercial – and diet. How about having a meat-and-dairy free Sunday, for example?

Fourth, campaign: talk to your local MP, raise your voice and sign petitions. The government has made promises to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and we need to hold them to account.

Where can people go to find out more about caring for creation?

Visit salvationist.org.uk/environment

FOR people all over the world, getting clean water is a daily struggle. Nearly one fifth of the world’s population lives in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability and the climate crisis is making things worse. Climate change and water scarcity are inextricably linked.

The United Nations states: ‘Extreme weather events are making water more scarce, more unpredictable, more polluted or all three. These impacts throughout the water cycle threaten sustainable development, biodiversity, and people’s access to water and sanitation.’

The impacts of the climate crisis are being felt by communities around the world today. This is not a distant issue, but a devastating reality for millions. The Salvation Army is working alongside communities to find solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, food insecurity and more. Projects that seek to address these issues are taking place all over the globe.

In the Karonga district of northern

WHAT CAN I DO?

During 2023, Salvation Army corps and groups across the UK and Ireland will raise money for international clean water projects through the Helping-Hand Appeal. Order a free fundraising pack by calling 020 7367 4777 or download all the resources from salvationist. org.uk/helpinghand

HOW CAN I HELP?

£15 could give a person clean water for life through access to a sand dam

£45 could provide training in the maintenance of boreholes

£470 could construct a toilet in a school

£1,450 could install a shallow well alongside a sand dam

SPEND A PENNY, GIVE A POUND

Over the course of one day – or longer, if you choose – donate £1 for each time you use the loo!

Malawi, The Salvation Army is partnering communities through an integrated water, sanitation and hygiene project. It includes, among other elements, the installation of boreholes for improved access to safe water, the construction of toilet blocks and handwashing facilities in schools, and training in water-smart agricultural practices.

Esther Kaonga is chairperson of the village development committee in Lameck Kambombo, Karonga, where she lives with her husband and four children. She shares the impact that the new borehole has had for her family and others living in the area:

‘We reached out to The Salvation Army because we were having problems with diseases. The water we were using was contaminated and we suffered from diseases like cholera and malaria. We drew water from the rivers and had no way to treat the water so we fell sick again and again.

‘My children are clever, but because I needed their help collecting water, they would miss classes. It was hard for them.

Now, we are flexible, we are happy and we are hygienic. Now, we drink safe water. There is no more malaria in the community.

‘The project has also included training community members on construction and usage of pit latrines, and how to install tippy taps for handwashing. We are thankful for this borehole – it has given us new life!

‘Using water from this borehole means our villages have improved greatly. Many people in the area draw water at this borehole, so another borehole is needed.’

Indeed, people are still required to travel long distances to reach this borehole. It is much better than travelling to collect unsafe water, of course, but the fact remains: more boreholes are needed.

HAYLEY STILL UK Engagement Co-ordinator International Development